Kristin Konopka
Available to Work: All over the isle of Manhattan
Area of Specialty: Yoga and Water Aerobics
Industry Certifications and/or degree(s):
- 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training, 1/2005, Sonic Yoga.
- Certified by the American Heart Association in Adult and Child CPR with Mask and Choking and Adult and Child AED.
- Certified by the American Red Cross in CPR/AED plus Infant CPR.
- BA, Theatre Performance, 5/2003, Marymount Manhattan College.
- MA, Theatre, 6/2008, City University of New York, Hunter College.
Background: Since completing a 200-hour teacher-training course in January of 2005, I have taught open-level gentle vinyasa yoga classes at the YMCA and Equinox Fitness Clubs, traveled to India to train in the ancient dance-theatre tradition of kathakali, and written and published on the subject of yoga. In addition to my experience teaching yoga and aerobics courses, I have extensive training in dance, theatre, and acrobatics, I am a student of bharatanatyam Indian dance, the cofounder of the experimental performance company, Theatre Reverb, and I regularly perform as a dancer and actress in physical theatre pieces around the city. I have also worked as a teacher of college theatre courses and as an assistant to Fay Simpson in her chakra-based Lucid Body Technique courses designed to train and liberate the bodies of performers. It is my mission to address each of my students as unique individuals and to provide a nurturing class environment that emphasizes alignment, breath, and the contemplative component of a holistic yoga practice.
Philosophy: “Fearlessness is the impregnable rock on which the house of spiritual life must be erected.” – Paramahansa Yogananda
Hobbies: Bharatanatyam Indian classical dance, baking, travel, acrobatics, relaxing with my kitties
Bindu Nambiar
Available to Work: Onthe Upper East Side and West Side of Manhattan
Area of Specialty: Personal-Training, Boxing
Certifications: AAHFRP (American Association of Health Fitness and Rehab Professionals), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist)
Background: Bindu has been working as a Personal trainer since 1999. She is currently focusing on in-home personal training for strength and rehabilitation. Bindu is very professional and wants to help you reach your goals. She will help you to focus and motivate you to keep moving! You will see and feel results within your first week of working with her.
Please contact miranda@mirzukfitness.com if you would like to work with any of these fabulous Trainers so that we can find out more about your goals and what your schedule needs may be.
Tracey Katof
Available to Work: Manhattan
Area of Specialty: Pilates for core strength, body sculpting, mobility & flexibility, injury prevention, sport specific training, rehabilitation, and weight loss.
Certifications: Certified Pilates Instructor on all Apparatus with Pilates Method Alliance, Bachelors of Dance from Hofstra University, CRP/AED Current
Philosophy: “Being healthy requires constant awareness, seeking balance in all areas of life, and rigorous honesty with ourselves.”
Background: Fitness and movement have been integrated into every aspect of my life. As a child, I studied gymnastics and dance including the following techniques: Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical. My interest in fitness later expanded to other disciplines such as weight training, pilates, athletic performance, and yoga. I received my Bachelors in Dance from Hofstra University. There I completed an independent study with Pilates industry leader, Dyane Havey-Salaam. After graduating, I trained at the 2nd oldest pilates studio in Manhattan, Ground Floor LLC, and received my current certification with PMA. I also trained at Alvin Ailey Dnace Theater, Dance New Amsterdam, and Ballet Academy East in New York City. I have extensive experience training advanced clientele including professional dancers and athletes as well as those recovering from injuries. I believe that with the right training, people can recover from injuries and become healthier and stronger than before. I am dedicated to the progress of my clients and inspired to help them reach their fitness goals through customized training programs.
Danielle Montezinos
Available to Work: Manhattan, Long Island City, Astoria
Area of Specialty: Personal Training, Alignment based Vinyasa Yoga, Pilates, TRX
Certifications: NASM, ACE, Pilates mat certification, experience with teaching Stott Pilates, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYA 200 Hour) Certified through Yoga Works, Pre/Post Natal, AFFA, TRX certified, CRP/AED Current.
Philosophy: “Finding good health by hard work and laughter, let’s keep it functional and, well, funny.”
Background: I am a performer, stage and on-camera. I was noticing that I didn’t have the energy to do a full show or day on set without being physically exhausted. I was also getting injured all the time! SO NOT GOOD! I am also petite, 5’1″ and saw that I would put on weight regardless of how healthy I was eating. I realized, I needed to get into shape, not only for self-esteem but also so I could do my job effectively without killing myself! I needed strength and endurance. I started working out at the gym religiously but realized I was losing weight but still hurting myself because I didn’t have a clue about what I was doing. I asked for help from the trainers at my local gym who led me on the right path. This is where things started to shift. Then I started taking Pilates and Yoga and noticed my injuries were less and less. I grew much stronger and the pain is now under control. By learning all of this, I wanted to share this with others, help improve their quality of life and pay it forward. If I can help myself, I know I can help you! I am not a drill sergeant but not a push over either. My style is butt kicking but with an attention to detail and I use humor a lot to get my message across. Training should be fun! Safety is super important in my book. If you get hurt, I won’t see you for months and your goals are on hold again. I am also a health food guru of sorts and natural food activist. If you desire, I can guide you towards healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle. Looking forward to meeting you! I am very excited to be part of Mirzuk Fitness!
Jonathan Schancupp
Available to Work: Manhattan
Area of Specialty: Weight Training, Flexibility, Pre/Post Natal, Cardio Training, Injury prevention, body sculpting.
Certifications: AFAA, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, CPR/AED Current
Philosophy: “Nothing exists but this moment. Don’t worry about what you should have done or what you will do. Do it right now.”
Background: I have trained people from all backgrounds, ages and fitness levels for over twelve years. I offer flexible hours and outdoor, private gym or home workouts. I began my career as a personal trainer while completing my Masters of Fine Arts in Theater from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2002 I trained for an completed the NYC Marathon. “Just goes to show, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.” In addition to private personal training, I also teach classes to new mom’s looking to get back into shape.
Please contact miranda@mirzukfitness.com if you would like to work with any of these fabulous Trainers so that we can find out more about your goals and what your schedule needs may be.
